At the end of my tether!

[joliejolie]

Does anyone know where I can get independent relationship advice? I cannot afford RELATE, have no close friends in the area and I think my mum prefers him to me, which would make her advice one-sided.
I really am at breaking point with my dh and his family. I am not sure I can stand to be here for another day and I know it must be affecting my children.
I think I am just so unhappy with my life and don't know where to go from here.
Can anyone point me in the right direction?
TIA!

[rubyslippers]

your GP can refer for counselling and most offer a sliding scale of charges

do RELATE do the same?

[joliejolie]

Not sure. We both work and I was told that sessions over the phone are £40.
I was told counseling sessions were case by case, but there is a fee.

Why are things like this not more readily available? I have to go to my GP, who also treats my dh's family in our small village, just to get help. I know it is all confidential, but I always feel as if all of his family know when I have private issues like this.

[Queenoftheharpies]

It might have changed but when me and DP went to relate a couple of years ago (manchester) we agreed with the counsellor how much we could afford to pay. I think there's a lower limit of about £20 per session though. Might be worth giving them a ring back and asking about that.

[beanieb]

where I work there's a acheme where you can get counselling for free (First 5 sessions) and it doesn't have to be a work related issue. If you don't have that then you can go to your GP and ask for counselling. You will probably have to wait a bit but it's worth putting your name down.